The first chilly evening of the season had me craving something warm and comforting—a dish that envelops you like a cozy blanket. That’s when I decided to whip up my Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite that captures all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty, soup format. Imagine the savory aroma of garlic and ground beef simmering together, mingling with fragrant herbs and tangy tomatoes.
With just 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, this recipe quickly transforms a few simple ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this warming soup is sure to impress with its ease and delectable flavors.
So, grab your Instant Pot and let’s dive into this comforting dish that’s as satisfying as a big helping of lasagna, minus the fuss!
Why is Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup a Must-Try?
Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is a game changer for dinner!
- Effortless Prep: Your busy weeknights just got easier with this one-pot meal that requires minimal chopping and no hours of baking.
- Comforting Flavors: Experience the same rich, savory taste of traditional lasagna you love, reimagined in a warm soup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings with friends—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Customizable: Whether you prefer ground turkey or gluten-free noodles, this recipe is easily adjustable for various dietary needs.
- Quick & Simple: Done in just 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, this dish makes homemade comfort food accessible for anyone!
Don’t forget to serve it up with some warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal experience!
Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Ingredients
• You’re just a few steps away from making a delightful dish!
For the Soup Base
- Olive Oil – To sauté and flavor the beef; vegetable oil can be a suitable substitute if needed.
- Ground Beef (1.75 lb) – Provides heartiness and depth; feel free to replace with ground turkey or Italian sausage for added flavor.
- Yellow Onion (1, diced) – Adds sweetness and base flavor; no substitutes recommended for this key ingredient.
- Garlic Cloves (6, minced) – Enhances aroma and flavor; adjust based on your love for garlic.
- Chicken Broth (5 cups) – Serves as the soup’s liquid base; vegetable broth is a lighter option if desired.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups) – Infuses the soup with Italian flavors; using a high-quality sauce, like Rao’s, is highly recommended.
- Diced Tomatoes (15 oz) – Adds texture and acidity; choose canned tomatoes with their juices for the best flavor.
- Basil (1.25 tsp), Parsley (1.25 tsp), Onion Powder (0.5 tsp), Oregano (0.75 tsp), Red Pepper Flakes (0.25 tsp), Rosemary (0.25 tsp) – Seasonings that enhance the soup’s flavor; feel free to adjust these for your personal taste.
For the Noodle Mixture
- Lasagna Noodles (8, broken into 1-2 inch pieces) – Forms the core of the dish; breaking them larger helps prevent clumping during cooking.
For the Finishing Touches
- Balsamic Vinegar (1 tsp) – Balances acidity in the tomatoes; no substitutes recommended for optimal taste.
- Sugar (0.5 tsp) – Counteracts acidity; maple syrup can be used sparingly if needed.
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste; it’s best to adjust after cooking.
- Ricotta (1 cup) – Adds creaminess; Galbani brand is recommended for its texture in this Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.
- Parmesan (0.5 cup) – Adds savory depth; grated Parmesan works best for melting consistency.
- Mozzarella (1 cup) – Melts beautifully to create creamy pockets in the soup.
For Garnishing
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Provides color and freshness to each bowl.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to assembling this cozy meal!
How to Make Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Sauté Beef: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add ground beef, browning for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep your soup flavorful yet light.
Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. The kitchen will be filled with enticing aromas—absolutely delightful!
Deglaze: Turn off the sauté mode and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the pot bottom to deglaze. This step prevents the “burn” notice and keeps the soup flavorful.
Build Soup Base: Add the remaining broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings. Mix well until everything is combined, creating a rich soup base.
Add Noodles: Scatter the broken lasagna noodles over the soup base without stirring, allowing them to lay flat. This helps prevent clumping during cooking.
Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. The magic is happening—your cozy meal is just minutes away!
Release Pressure: Perform a quick release; let steam escape, then open the lid. Be careful and watch out for the hot steam!
Finish Soup: Stir in balsamic vinegar and sugar. Fold in ricotta and parmesan until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste for that perfect finish.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella over the soup, cover to let melt for 2-3 minutes. The sight of gooey cheese will make your heart sing.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Your comforting Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is ready to be enjoyed!
Optional: Serve with warm garlic bread for that extra comfort!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Consider undercooking the lasagna noodles slightly to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheating after freezing.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Stir in more broth to revive the creamy texture of your Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.
- Portioning: For easy meals, consider freezing in individual portions. This makes it simple to grab a quick lunch or dinner during busy days!
Expert Tips for Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Deglazing is Key: Always deglaze the pot after browning the beef to prevent any “burn” notices during cooking, ensuring a smooth soup texture.
Layering Noodles: Scatter broken lasagna noodles over the soup base without stirring to avoid clumping; this allows even cooking throughout.
Add Cheese Last: Incorporate cheeses only after cooking to ensure they melt smoothly and create that creamy, luxurious finish in your Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup.
Texture Adjustment: For a thicker soup, consider adding an extra cup of broth after cooking; this can help achieve your desired consistency.
Season at the End: Adjust salt and pepper at the end to avoid over-seasoning; flavors can intensify as the soup sits.
What to Serve with Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
This warming soup pairs beautifully with sides that enhance its comforting flavors while providing a satisfying meal experience.
Warm Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth, the buttery, garlicky goodness complements every bowl with its crispy texture.
Cheesy Breadsticks: These deliciously cheesy treats add a fun, dippable element that kids and adults alike can’t resist, echoing the cheesy nature of the soup.
Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing balances the hearty soup, providing a light contrast to its richness.
Grilled Vegetable Platter: Roasted or grilled veggies add a burst of color and a smoky touch, enhancing the meal’s overall appeal while keeping it wholesome.
Italian Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese beautifully complements the flavors of the soup, enhancing the Italian essence of this cozy meal.
Tiramisu: End your dinner on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert, offering a delightful finish to your comforting meal experience.
This collection of sides ensures that your Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup becomes a fully satisfying feast for family and friends alike!
Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative with this comforting recipe to make it your own!
- Dairy-Free: Replace ricotta and cheeses with cashew cream or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy touch without dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary needs while maintaining the essence of this cozy dish.
- Veggie-Loaded: Incorporate chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor. These veggies add a delightful texture twist!
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy challenge that livens up your bowl of soup.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or fresh basil to elevate the aroma and enhance the Italian flavors even more.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of beef for a lighter option that doesn’t compromise taste.
- Umami Boost: Stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Creamy Variation: For an ultra-creamy soup, add a splash of heavy cream or your choice of milk after cooking for a rich finish.
Make Ahead Options
These Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the onions and garlic, and even brown the ground beef up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to ensure freshness. Additionally, feel free to assemble the soup base (broth, marinara, tomatoes, and seasonings) and refrigerate it, but keep the noodles separate to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade soup, simply combine everything in the Instant Pot, pressure cook for 6 minutes, and finish by folding in the cheeses just before serving, ensuring the taste remains just as delicious!
Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of ground beef should I use for this soup?
Absolutely! I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or Italian sausage also works well; the sausage can add a little extra seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor.
How should I store leftover Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
Keep your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just add a splash of broth to restore its creamy texture and warm it gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cheese.
Can I freeze Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
Very! Freezing is a great option. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. I often undercook the lasagna noodles slightly before freezing to prevent them from getting mushy when reheating. To freeze, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, and don’t forget to label them!
What if my lasagna noodles clump together in the soup?
If you find your noodles clump together, it can happen if they are stirred into the broth too soon. In future attempts, just scatter them on top of the soup base without mixing before cooking. This helps them cook evenly without sticking together.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Of course! This Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup can easily be made gluten-free by substituting traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free ones. If you have any allergies, always check your marinara sauce and cheese for hidden ingredients.
What should I do if the soup is too thick after cooking?
If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t worry! Simply stir in an additional cup of chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. You can adjust it while reheating too, so feel free to add more broth as needed.
Cozy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup: Your Quick Comfort Meal
Equipment
- - Instant Pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be a substitute.
- 1.75 lb Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- 1 unit Yellow Onion, diced No substitutes recommended.
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced Adjust based on preference.
- 5 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a lighter option.
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce Use high-quality sauce for best flavor.
- 15 oz Diced Tomatoes Use canned tomatoes with their juices.
- 1.25 tsp Basil Adjust for personal taste.
- 1.25 tsp Parsley Adjust for personal taste.
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder Adjust for personal taste.
- 0.75 tsp Oregano Adjust for personal taste.
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for personal taste.
- 0.25 tsp Rosemary Adjust for personal taste.
Noodle Mixture
- 8 units Lasagna Noodles, broken Break into 1-2 inch pieces.
Finishing Touches
- 1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar No substitutes recommended.
- 0.5 tsp Sugar Maple syrup as a substitute if needed.
- Salt & Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 cup Ricotta Galbani brand recommended.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Grated for melting consistency.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Melts beautifully.
Garnishing
- Fresh Parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Directions
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add ground beef, browning for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Turn off the sauté mode and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the pot bottom to deglaze.
- Add the remaining broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings. Mix well.
- Scatter the broken lasagna noodles over the soup base without stirring, allowing them to lay flat.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Perform a quick release; let steam escape, then open the lid carefully.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar and sugar. Fold in ricotta and parmesan until smooth.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the soup, cover to let melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.